Water feature considerations for Dart Frogs

[Shane91]

An I see that. I've seen that pop up a few time now on this forum and a few others. But I still don't see the whole point on a massive water feature nor the drip walls adm waterfalls. I've had bad luck with them with my Firebelly belly toads!!! How and why idk? But you learn and thts what I like about this forum Bc people will shout out their opinion on whatever topic it is

[SnakePaparazzi]

I'd like to disagree partly to the idea that streams (not waterfalls) are not beneficial to PDFs... My point below is based solely upon care-sheets that are probably antiquated by now...

Most species of PDFs do not require nor will benefit from streams in their vivs however; there are a few species that breed more prolifically with a stream (i.e. Ameerega trivittata).

I agree that they can be a headache and most times unnecessary however; I have seen planted vivariums with streams run reliably without any issues from the water feature for years!

There are factors that if addressed properly in the build can greatly mitigate the possibility/probability of a water feature gone bad. Examples are:

1. Debris control

2. Ease of access/removal to hardware and wiring

Hope this helps

-Christian

[ticmike]

Must admit that my next build was to have a pond in it, mainly for tads but also as it would look pretty cool to, but you all have me second thinking the idea now?

[joneill809]

I use shallow ponds with sloped entry points for deposition in my vivs (I only keep tincs and galacs). I saw posts from Glenn (frogfreak) and liked the idea.
viewtopic.php?f=36&t=5635&start=40&#p50375

See the wide shot of his racks and how the substrates slope down in a corner to expose false bottom water. It's a very effective use of space that provides a shallow deposition site which the frogs can easily get in and out of.

[guppygal]

Sometimes, us old hobbyists like water falls/features

http://youtu.be/8EVe-POywEw

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kristi
pdf hobbyist since 2002

[Philsuma]

I love me some well made water features. It's the crap stuffed in to a ten or fifteen gallon tank made by a new hobbyist as their first build that turns me off a bit. Your big tank looks nice!

[guppygal]

Why, thanks, kind sir! The galacts REALLY love it. This was our first 'open' concept tank, and it was fast, easy and it turned out extra nice. It's in the kitchen dining area, so we do have an audience ~~

[joneill809]

Yeah talk about a frog paradise! A 1.2 in a 100 gallon - I think you can afford the floorspace for a water feature I do like the 360 view. Any trouble with the pump clogging? Any maintenance advice?

[RanaVenenosa]

Why, thanks, kind sir! The galacts REALLY love it. This was our first 'open' concept tank, and it was fast, easy and it turned out extra nice. It's in the kitchen dining area, so we do have an audience ~~

I think there is a board rule that if you talk about cool water feature or viv you must post a pic :lol:

[Dan1990]

This Thread is a nice informative thread on the subject. I know when I first started looking at pics and thinking about dart frogs this is what I had in mind as an optional set up.

But now I see thats not the case at all. I think its interesting how our preperceptions can be very different from the truth. I know mine have been influenced by my aquatic hobbies and the bullfrogs that live at the my pond. When I think frog thats what comes to mind. Dart frogs are an altogether different creature though with different habitats and needs. I think its awesome to learn about the fascinating animals and id like to thank you all for providing a friendly educational resource such as this thread and more so the fourm we have hear. I and my future frogs appreciate it immensely.

[Philsuma]

Every newb wants a big water fall, drip wall, stream, lagoon ect.

Horrible for the frogs. So many terrible first builds.

[Philsuma]

If you are new to the hobby and it's your first build, please concentrate on keeping your frogs healthy and do not try to build a waterfall or stream ect.

[Philsuma]

water = frog drownings

water = soil compaction and less oxygen for microfuana

water = root rot and dead plants

water = undesirable bacteria growth

[Philsuma]

Time to dust this one off again. Actually, no dust should ever accumulate on this thread, the frequency it should be pulled out.

[Philsuma]

Water features...always hugely popular with brand new hobbyists.

[pet_tree_gnat]

Hey I've been doing this for a couple years and finally got into them! I think it is definitely the number one question on Facebook groups next to hey I'm going to put a pair of large tinc in a 8"x8" tank, is that ok? building my water features really took a lot of thought and planning and cost me a whole heck of a lot more time and money. They're my favorite tanks though. They've been running with water for a couple months we'll see how they hold the test of time but in theory I did it right. Use the aqua neat sponge material instead of standard substrate, cover with moss plant the plants in the walls and in the background. I don't actually have much of water for them to get into maybe a half an inch at most in one tank. The other one runs down into clay balls which I've planted into and they're growing like crazy.

[pet_tree_gnat]

Tank 1

               

Tank 2

           

[pet_tree_gnat]

I can turn remove the water feature at any time in either tank, another consideration.